Pau Gasol Trade Rumors: Lakers Should Seriously Consider Bulls' Recent Inquiry

The Chicago Bulls are interested in Pau Gasol, but it appears the Los Angeles Lakers aren't interested in anything the Bulls have to offer. They should reconsider that notion.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Bulls have made inquiries, but Los Angeles just isn't interested. 

"

"Sources told ESPN.com that Howard's well-chronicled lack of interest in a trade to Chicago has prompted the Bulls to switch their focus to Gasol in advance of Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline. Sources say that the Lakers, however, have limited interest in the players Chicago would be offering, starting with Bulls forward Carlos Boozer. So the Bulls would have to recruit at least one more team to the discussions to have any shot at Gasol, sources said, with the Lakers known to be insistent on getting back at least one certifiable star if they consent to the trade the Spaniard. Sources say that the Lakers, furthermore, continue to talk to other teams about Gasol in advance."

"

But if you're the Lakers, why not at least explore the idea? Here's why.

Lakers are clearly willing to part with Gasol

First, L.A. traded Gasol to Houston. That trade was famously vetoed, but the Lakers made it painfully clear they were willing to part with the Spaniard. 

Now, in the past few months, they haven't hid the fact that Gasol is available in the right deal. I'm not saying this means Gasol has to be on his way out, but tensions have to be getting high between him and management.

I mean, what's the conversation look like if he doesn't get traded?

"Uhh, yeah, I know it looked like we were desperately trying to trade you, but we never planned on actually doing it."

Right.

The Lakers shouldn't get ripped off from their young star, but they should find a way to get as much value players and picks for him.

Boozer isn't that bad of an option

Let's get this out of the way first, Carlos Boozer is nowhere near Pau Gasol in terms of talent on the court. He is however, a cheaper option at the power forward position.

Gasol is set to make an average of about $19 million per year through 2014 while Boozer is only about $15 million per year and he's under contract for an extra season.

That's an extra four million for Gasol, who averages just one point and two rebounds more than Boozer per game. However, it is worth noting that Gasol's defensive play is light-years ahead of Boozer's.

Gasol is better than Boozer, obviously, but the extra money would be an enticing aspect for the Lakers in free agency next year. 

It wouldn't be Gasol for Boozer straight up

If the Lakers made that trade straight up, then it would be a little crazy.

However, it's much more likely they would either bring in another team to add a piece or get a draft pick from Chicago.

I'm sure Lakers fans wouldn't very much like scrolling through ESPN and potentially seeing "Bulls trying to trade Boozer for Gasol" (OK, that's probably not a real headline, you get the idea), but Los Angeles would presumably get a lot more than just Boozer.

The Lakers need to at least explore a deal with the Bulls.